Loss of SNAP a blow to state residents

In the past few weeks, nearly 1.7 million North Carolinians who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) received terrible news  that the program they depend on to put food on the table was being cut back. The cuts, due to the expiration of extra funding measures designed to help boost the economy, are having a devastating effect.

These include many working poor, such as fast-food or service workers. Many families and children in North Carolina live in an environment where they go without food.

Yet SNAP benefits are very uncertain these days. The recent cuts may be the tip of the iceberg; huge cuts  as much as $40 billion  are planned for SNAP in the proposed 2014 federal budget. And that comes on top of other disruptions such as the two-day halt in benefits under the WIC (Women Infants and Children) program due to the federal government shutdown.

As the director of the WIC program in Orange and Chatham County, I can personally attest to the fact that many people go hungry when these benefits are cut or stopped. When people access these services, it is not because they want food next week, or next year  they are hungry now. Imagine being forced to spend $36 less each month for food (the result of the cut last month) and bracing for more! Churches, food pantries and food banks are already hard hit by reductions or are near empty due to such a high need for food in a struggling economy.

It may be hard for some of us to imagine, but one in six children do not have enough to eat  in a country where food is plentiful and available. We should not let this happen. Please write your representative in Congress and ask him or her to protect the SNAP program. And please also consider donating food to local charities.

At a time of year, when we are giving to others and helping our fellow man, we should not cut a basic need for struggling families. Lets do what we can to ensure that all of our citizens enjoy the holidays.

HEATHER MIRANDA

Carrboro

Heather Miranda is director of Health Support Services for Piedmont Health Services, which provides services in Burlington and Alamance County.